Technological growth of Unmanned Systems Composite Market in industry

The unmanned systems composite market is projected to reach a value of $7.7 billion by the end of 2020. Of the total unmanned systems composite market, the CFRP segment accounts for the largest share, compared to GFRP, BFRP, and AFRP. This is due the tremendous growth in the UAV market as compared to the UGV and UUV markets. Also, the amount for composite material in UAV is higher as compared to that in UGV and UUV. The CFRP market for unmanned systems is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.20% during the review period. The maximum share in this market will be acquired by North America and Europe, which are estimated to collectively account for 71.75% of the global unmanned systems composite market in 2015.

New industry trends such as composite carbon nanotube-based structural energy storage devices, light-weight EMI shield, and anti-icing light-weight energy efficient composite are gaining attention. Market players such as Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. (U.S.) have been supplying CNT-based EMI shields to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.), Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.) for the development of unmanned vehicle systems. Over the next six years, a large share of R&D investments shall be diverted for CNT material application in non-load bearing structures such as the F-35s wingtip fairings.

North America is estimated to hold the largest share for global unmanned systems composite material in 2015. Also, it is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the review period, which is fueled mainly by the increase in development and procurement of unmanned vehicle system in the region. Emerging markets such as the Middle East and APAC will show potential for growth in both, the CFRP and GFRP markets during the review period.

Hexcel Corporation (U.S.), Royal TenCate N.V (The Netherlands), Toray Industries Inc. (Japan), Owens Corning Corporation (U.S.), and Cytec Industries Inc. (U.S.) are the key players in the global unmanned systems composite material market. They offer a wide range of products, such as carbon fiber, reinforcements, prepregs, fiber-reinforced matrix materials, infusion resin, and structural adhesives. These companies are also investing in new technologies to reduce the overall weight and increase the strength of the material.